Disabled taxi passengers

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles - Disabled Persons - Act 2022

On 28 June, the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 (The 2022 Act) took effect in England. It amended the Equality Act 2010 to introduce new, and amend existing, duties for local authorities and taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers and operators alike.

The 2022 Act aims to ensure that disabled people can use taxi and PHV services with dignity and confidence and, that disabled people are protected against extra charges and discrimination.  

One of the requirements is to supply a list of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. The vehicles shown on the list are known to be capable of carrying a wheelchair of a maximum size 120cm X 70cm and max combined weight (passenger and chair) of 300kg. Some may be capable of carrying larger or heavier wheelchairs.  Please note that the listed vehicles are those which can carry a person who remains seated in their wheelchair.

All vehicles licensed by Surrey Heath Borough Council but not listed may be capable of carrying a passenger who can transfer from their wheelchair depending on the passenger’s preference. All vehicles have sufficient boot space to accommodate a folded wheelchair. Drivers of these other licensed vehicles are now subject to section 165 of the Equality Act 2010 and if you are refused by a driver of any licensed vehicle in Surrey Heath you can report this to the licensing team.

Requirements for drivers and operators

The existing legislation (The Equality Act 2010) places duties upon drivers of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles to accept the carriage of wheelchair users, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance, and refrain from charging them more than other passengers.

From 28 June, all taxi and PHV drivers and operators, regardless of whether the vehicle is wheelchair accessible, will be subject to those duties under the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled People) Act 2022. 

Taxi and PHV drivers will be required to:

• Accept the carriage of any disabled person, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance, and carry their mobility aids, all without charging any more than they would for a non-disabled passenger
• Provide any disabled passenger who requests it with assistance to identify the vehicle, at no extra charge

PHV operators will be required to:

• Accept bookings for or on behalf of any disabled person, if they have a suitable vehicle available

If you feel that a driver has acted unlawfully by refusing to carry you, please contact us by email or telephone, with the following details:

• vehicle make and model
• plate number (found on the rear of the vehicle)
• vehicle registration number
• if possible, the driver’s badge number, displayed in the vehicle. Drivers must also wear a badge whilst at work
• operators trading name and telephone number (if applicable).

Drivers found not adhering to the legislation may face suspension, revocation or prosecution.  As part of the amendments, taxi and PHV drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to provide reasonable mobility assistance to disabled passengers taking a pre-booked vehicle. 

More Information 

• View the updated Access to taxi and private hire vehicles for disabled users guidance on the Government website
• View The Equalities Act 2010
• List of wheelchair accessible vehicles

Email the Licensing Team at Licensing@surreyheath.gov.uk or telephone 01276 707100.